NGOs fear government ban

Human rights organisations and opposition parties in Zimbabwe fear the "old days" are back after the government threatened to deregister civic organisations that get involved in politics.

The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations said on Friday threats to shut down NGOs that meddle in politics caused them a "sense of shock". The threat came from the acting minister of public service, Kazembe Kazembe, who said non-profits are not legally allowed to engage in politics.

"The government has, however, noted with concern that some private voluntary organisations and/or NGOs have negated their objectives and are now meddling in politics," said Kazembe.

"Should these organisations continue with this behaviour, government will not hesitate to withdraw their registration certificates."

Roselyn Hanzi, director of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, said she was not expecting that threat. She said that since President Emmerson Mnangagwa took power from Robert Mugabe in November 2017, the government had been somewhat more respectful of rights enshrined in Zimbabwe's constitution.

"We remain concerned that there is limited compliance with the constitution, there is selective compliance with the constitution, so we continue to see the same violations that we saw before November 15, [2017]," said Hanzi.

"But in some areas we have seen some improvements and we urge the authorities to really comply with the constitution and fully respect the rights of citizens."

When Mnangagwa assumed power, he pledged to move away from the tactics used by Mugabe to stifle opposition and dissent. But that seems to be forgotten now, as the ruling Zanu PF party this week threatened to raise the minimum age for president to 52. That would disqualify the main opposition leader in the next election, as he is only 40.

Alexander Rusero, a senior journalism and international politics lecturer at Harare Polytechnic College, says remnants of Mugabe's dictatorship are still in the Mnangagwa government. He said by shutting down NGOs, the government would only be hurting itself.

"It is actually a misguided priority to try and threaten NGOs, because NGOs by the very nature of their job, one way or the other are involved in politics.., because they keep the government in check," said Rusero. "They also complement the work of the government."

Hanzi said her organisation will continue to push for Zimbabweans' rights even if it means challenging the government.